Sumac Precision Engineering: Excellence in Precision and Innovation
Founded in 1985, Sumac Precision Engineering began its journey as a dedicated service provider to the screen printing industry, which constituted 100% of its production in its early days. Established as a privately-owned business, Sumac had remained steadfast in its private ownership. Today, two of the original directors continue to work pro-actively within the company, fostering growth and innovation alongside a senior management team that are committed to excellence in everything they do.
Located in the picturesque town of Weymouth, Dorset, on the south coast of the UK, Sumac employs a talented and dedicated team of 120 professionals from the local and surrounding communities. Over nearly four decades, the company has evolved from its humble beginnings into a diversified and technologically advanced manufacturing solutions provider, serving a broad range of industries and markets within the manufacturing sector.
Our Journey of Transformation and Growth
When Sumac was established, the business catered exclusively to a single customer within the screen printing sector. However, over the years, through careful planning and strategic investment, the company has undergone a significant transformation. A substantial capital expenditure (cap-ex) program has driven investments in state-of-the-art equipment, advanced automation, and innovative production technologies.
These advancements have enabled Sumac to diversify its customer base, reducing its reliance on the screen printing sector, which now accounts for less than 10% of total sales revenue. The company’s enhanced capabilities have positioned it as a trusted partner within the defence and manufacturing sectors, securing major contract awards and becoming a vertically integrated supplier to its customer base.
This transformation has not only broadened Sumac’s market reach but also enhanced its agility and responsiveness. The business now possesses the ability to ramp up production within the machine shop by an impressive seventy five percent without the need to hire additional personnel, the company can swiftly meet customer demands and adapt to evolving requirements because of the smart automated solutions that have been introduced into the business over the past five years. This operational flexibility, coupled with precise control of input costs, has enabled Sumac to build resilience into the business and cement its reputation as a manufacturing solutions provider of choice.
Vision, Mission and Values
At the heart of Sumac’s success lies a clear and inspiring vision: “To be the supplier of choice.” This vision encapsulates the company’s commitment to fostering enduring relationships with customers who choose Sumac not out of necessity, but because of the exceptional value and service it offers.
Our mission is equally ambitious: “To utilise technology and innovation, combined with traditional skills, to develop our processes, our people, and our capability, resulting in a best-in-class experience for our customers.”
These guiding principles drive Sumac to continuously push boundaries, embrace cutting-edge advancements, and deliver outstanding results.
Comprehensive Capabilities and Expertise
Sumac has established itself as a leader in precision machined parts, fabricated solutions, and assembly services, offering unparalleled expertise across the manufacturing spectrum. Our end-to-end capabilities enable us to support customers from the initial stages of design through to final product delivery, ensuring seamless transitions and superior outcomes.
Advanced Machining Capabilities
The company boasts a comprehensive suite of over 50 machine tools including:
• 3,4 and 5 axis CNC machining with capacities ranging from 1mm to 4250mm in length.
• A multi-axis turning section, featuring sliding head capabilities and advanced 6-axis large turning, capable of producing precision turned parts from 1mm to 330mm in diameter
Robotics and Automation
In the past five years, Sumac has integrated seven automated robotic machine loading solutions, allowing a remarkable 75% increase in production capacity without the need for additional staffing. This automation enhances efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
Fabrication Excellence
In 2017, Sumac expanded its capabilities with the establishment of a bespoke fabrication department. Equipped with cutting-edge tools for laser cutting, profiling, bending, folding, and forming, this capability supports the manufacture of complex projects, including codified MIG and TIG welding solutions for fabrications up to a maximum of 12.5 tonnes.
A recent investment in a 30kw laser cutting system in 2024 has further strengthened our vertical integration strategy. This advanced laser, with a capacity of 3000mm x 1500mm and a maximum cut depth of 70mm, has allowed us to insource all external laser-cut profiles. By doing so, we’ve reduced our lead times by 7-10 days and minimised our external supplier quality issues, and regained control over input costs within the manufacturing process.
Assembly Capabilities
Sumac’s comprehensive assembly services include three dedicated areas for both electrical and mechanical assembly of pre-machined and fabricated components. This holistic approach ensures seamless integration and streamlined production for customers across various industries. The assembly capability allows our customer base to simplify its supply chain and reduce the quantity of purchase orders they have to raise and manage. Using Sumac as a supplier the customer only has to raise a single purchase order that replaces the need for hundreds of individual piece part po`s to be raised on multiple suppliers within the machining and fabrication supply chain.
Customer-Centric Solutions
Sumac’s commitment to its customers extends beyond manufacturing. By engaging in design for manufacture (DFM) and new product introduction (NPI) processes, our engineering team actively collaborates with customers during the design phase. This proactive involvement ensures optimal manufacturability and a smooth transition from concept to production.
Our goal is to create and maintain an integrated supply chain solution, giving customers confidence in the cost, quality, and timely delivery of their products, by controlling all aspects of the manufacturing process in-house, we deliver unparalleled reliability and value added engineering solutions.
Your Partner of Choice
Sumac Precision Engineering is more than a manufacturer; we are a trusted partner and solutions provider to the manufacturing sector. Whether you require precision machining, advanced fabrication, or assembly expertise, Sumac stands ready to meet your needs with innovation, flexibility, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
Choose Sumac Precision Engineering—your supplier of choice for a seamless and reliable manufacturing experience.
